DIY WindShield Protector From Snow & Sun Using Feed Sacks

Here is another useful project made from FEED SACKS that would have been tossed into the trash. My feed sack idea came to mind while cleaning snow off our truck after the first snow this year. I remembered I had seen a windshield cover in a catalog earlier for over $20.00, I told myself then I can make one and it won't cost me a dime.

After my cover was completed I must admit my Husband laughed at my cover, however after the second snow he had to admit it worked pretty good.

I have given 2 different ways to make the Windshield cover. The first way is the McGyverism way for those who don't sew and want it done fast. The second way for those who know how to sew and like to be crafty.

Our truck is out in the elements all year long and is not driven much so I will continue to use my cover for all the seasons. The cover will keep the UV rays from damaging the interior.

Hope I have inspired some Feed Sacks Ideas with my projects and if you need some feed sacks just let me know.

Step 1: Tools & Material Needed:

McGyverism Way:
Feed Sacks
Dish Soap
Tape Measure
Duck Tape
Scissors

Crafty Way:
Feed Sacks (My project needed 2 sacks)
Dish Washing Soap to clean the sacks
Sewing Machine
Sewing Machine Needles for heavy material
2 Outdoor UV Resistant Sewing Thread (Walmart)
Scissors
Tape Measure
Masking Tape

Optional:
Maganets

Step 2: Preparing Feed Sacks

Remove the seam at the bottom of the Feed Sack. The easiest way requires luck, if you pull on the correct string the whole seam will unravel. If your not lucky you will have to use scissors or seam ripper.

Find the glued seam on the sack, here is where it will be separated to make a 44"x32" flat sheet. Once you have pulled it apart enough to get a solid grip with both hands then pull it apart fast and it will come apart cleanly with no snags. If you pull gently it will hang up and tare. Once pulled apart you may have to trim the edges.

Wash feed sacks using dish washing soap.

Step 3: Making Our Pattern

Measure your windshield allowing for the hem & seams if you choose to be crafty. Straps will be optional so make sure the cover is wide enough for the doors to hold cover in place

Lay sheets out to the size you want, my pattern required 2 sheets.

I wanted to high-lite the horses so made 4 sections. The side I didn't want seen I turned them face down. When laying out your pattern over lay edges just enough to allow for the seams. Use the masking tape to tape to keep cover in place. Then measure your cover again to match your windshield measurements, remember you will need to allow for a hem.

Step 4: McGyverism Way

If your not Crafty, don't like sewing and want to make fast work of it, you just have one step to do and your done.

Duck tape the 2 sheets together.

Optional:
If you have some magnets use the duck tape to attach the magnets to the underside of cover.

Step 5: Sewing the Sections Together

To make My Cover I use 4 sections which will make 1 row.

Set you stitch at the longest setting and be sure your using the heavy duty sewing machine needle.

1st step sew the first 2 sections together. Sew the first 2 sections together after that you will press the sewn seam down to make a 2nd seam. This will allow your cover to lay flat on the windshield. Repeat this process for sections 3 and 4.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

You will need to put a hem around your cover to prevent unraveling. Make your folds for your hem as you sew by folding twice so the cut edge is hidden. Using clips are handy keeping the folds in place while you sew.

If you want to use magnets I would have sewed the them inside the hem. I would have used Magnets if had some on hand, wanted the cost of this cover to be free.

Optional Straps:
The reason I used straps is because the material bunched up at the curve which is shown in photo.
When I used the cover the straps made it really easy to grab and pull it when removing the snow.

To make the tie straps cut strips at least 3" wide and desired length.
Fold the strap in half and press to make a crease.
Fold both edges in till they meet center crease then press.
Fold in half and sew in place.

Place the strap at the covers's edge then sew it on putting sewing machine forward and then reverse several times. Then cut the remaining strip off. Repeat this step till have the amount of tie straps you want.

Your Windshield Cover Is Finished